Shell Nigeria's, Country Chair, Mutiu Sunmonu, said in a statement on Christmas day, "I am very sorry the leak from Bonga happened in the first place, but am now happy to confirm the oil has dispersed."

Fishermen in Akwa Ibom State are complaining about the suspension directive issued by the Nigerian Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, Reverend Samuel Ayadi, who chairs the Akwa Ibom chapter of Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigeria, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.

NOSDRA head Sir Peter Idabor warns that the leak could be three times as large as Shell admits and may be the country's worst case of oil pollution in 10 years.

"This is potentially a major incident that is likely to affect the environment and the people for a long time," Idabor said.